Crossword Genius

Intends to give me a short answer (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

means

'intends' is the definition.
('mean' can be a synonym of 'intend')

'give me a short answer' is the wordplay.
'give' says to put letters next to each other.
'a short answer' becomes 'ans' (abbreviation for answer; 'short' asks for a short form).
'me' put next to 'ans' is 'MEANS'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for means that I've seen before include "Wherewithal" , "Averages" , "Vehicle" , "way" , "sufficient funds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Globe and Mail.
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